GM Recalling 300,000 Trucks, SUVs Because of Turn Signal Problem

WASHINGTON May 10, 2005; Ken Thomas writing for the AP reported that General Motors Corp. is recalling more than 300,000 trucks and sport utility vehicles because of problems with the turn signal on some vehicles, the company said Tuesday.

GM, the world's largest automaker, said a driver indicating an upcoming turn by moving the directional signal up or down might cause the front and rear turn lights to flash, making it appear like a hazard warning.

The recall involves the 2003-2004 model years of the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, the GMC Envoy, the Isuzu Ascender and the Oldsmobile Bravada. It also includes the 2004 Buick Rainier.

Company officials said the problem raised safety concerns that a driver might not be able to signal his or her intention to turn, change lanes or warn others that the vehicle was impaired along the side of the road.

There have been no crashes or injuries related to the defect, GM spokesman Alan Adler said. The company spotted the problem through warrantee reports filed by motorists.

GM said the recall involved 286,478 vehicles in the United States and 19,195 vehicles in Mexico, Canada and its export market.

Permanent replacement parts will be available to dealers in August. In the meantime, consumers may have their directional/hazard signals fixed with temporary parts until a more permanent fix becomes available.

GM has struggled in recent weeks with a $1.1 billion loss in the first quarter, its largest quarterly loss in more than a decade, and a decision by a major rating agency to declare billions of dollars of debt to be "junk," increasing borrowing costs. /